Protests against counter-revolution in Egypt

[Catherina]

Protests against counter-revolution in Egypt
By a correspondent
28 March 2011


Strong military presence

On Friday, thousands took to the streets of Cairo to demonstrate for the demands of the revolution and against the US-backed counter-revolution in Egypt. The military-installed regime of Prime Minister Essam Sharaf passed a law on Wednesday banning all protests and demonstrations, and punishes violations against the legislation with draconian penalties.

...

It is clearer than ever that the military and Sharaf represent the class interests of the ruling elite, rather than those of the revolution. They are prepared to suppress protests and strikes just as brutally as did the fallen dictator, Mubarak. The law was announced shortly after the Egyptian stock exchange resumed trading, since its suspension following the plummeting of the index by nearly 10 percent on January 27.

...



The attempt of the Egyptian bourgeoisie to stabilise the economy through the use of force and thereby reassure foreign investors has the full support of governments in Europe and the US. In recent weeks, scores of senior officials have travelled to Egypt to make sure that the new regime will defend Western imperialist interests just as firmly as the old one. It is no accident that the law was adopted on the same day that Defence Secretary Robert Gates visited Cairo. Many workers and youth, some of whom had illusions in the military after Mubarak’s ousting, are beginning to understand its counter-revolutionary role and are looking for political alternatives.

Ahmed, an unemployed journalist interviewed by the WSWS in Tahrir Square, said, “At least by the time Sharaf and the military moved to clear Tahrir Square, it was obvious they are controlled by the old forces. The military leadership, in particular, still stands for the old Mubarak dictatorship. I especially hate Tantawi. He’s an old friend of Mubarak and a close ally of the US”.

...

http://www.wsws.org/articles/2011/mar2011/egyp-m28.shtml

[Hannah Bell]

1. meet the new boss...

he writer says it depends on the larger geopolitics & the category of regime being opposed:


1- US-backed republics, like Tunis and Egypt. The armies in such regimes are US-financed, trained and armed, and eventually advised. When the people in such regimes revolt, because of the corruption, the hunger, the poverty, the unemployment etc. USA hurries to side with the people, lest things become out of control, and with the help of the army disposes of the president and his cronies. Usually, a better US-backed leader is chosen to replace the former. This is what has happened in these two countries. This is what seemed an “easy” revolution.

2- Nationalist republics, like Syria, Libya, Sudan, and Yemen. The leaders cooperate with the West “USA” in one way or another but they are independent, and usually the presidents are remnants of the era of Nationalist leaders: Tito, Jamal Abdul Nasser, Nehru, Castro etc. They were Arab People’s idols before 30-40 years, but now are oppressing dictators. These leaders will not give in easily, because they think that their nations can not survive without them. They and the Nation are one: they are ready to fight for the last person. Such regimes will not surrender, and the revolution will not succeed, not until the country is occupied by regional or global powers. This is happening in Libya now.

3- US-backed kingdoms and shiekdoms, like Jordan, Morocco, Gulf states including Saudi Arabia. They sit on Energy resources, or/and have US military bases. They do not have significant armies. They have geopolitical importance to USA which will not tolerate change of regimes, so if people revolt, there will be a US-backed palace coup, or the king will just change the cabinet and introduce some reforms.

4- Already occupied countries like Iraq, where there are still occupation army, thousands of mercenaries, and special forces etc. non-violent demonstrations will not lead to a revolution and change of regime. Nothing less than a guerrilla war will do.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=729973&mesg_id=729973

[Catherina]

4. Too late to recommend that and missed it earlier. That's about it

but I wouldn't exactly use the word "hurries" for the US-backed republics. It works to make his point very well though.

[Hannah Bell]

10. kik

[rocktivity]

2. Hands up who DIDN'T see this coming

And I guess this means that they can forget about recovering the money that Murbank took with him.

:eyes:
rocktivity

[Catherina]

5. +1 Anything other would have been the real surprise. At least they're learning n/t

[Starry Messenger]

3. recommend.

[spanone]

6. counter-counter

[Desertrose]

7. Thanks Catherina, haven't had much time to read the news.....

I was wondering what is happening in Egypt and how they are doing these days. Sorry to hear that it hasn't progressed as they/we* (by we* I don't mean the US govt here) had hoped for them.

SIGH.

Different day...pretty much the same sh*t. :(

[Catherina]

8. Things never calmed down the way the media pretended

The counter revolution's been in full swing for over a month now. The people are standing firm and labor is still striking. There's a huge strike by the Suez Canal workers on Wednesday.

[riderinthestorm]

9. Yup, a military coup in Egypt was my prediction. I hate to be proven right

and what's "worse" if you want to be deeply cynical is that Mubarak was at least deeply hostile to religious fundamentalists. We have no guarantees that this military junta will be as secular. That old "devil you know...."

Please don't misconstrue - the Egyptian people had every right to demonstrate, protest and work towards changing their governance. They deserved their chance and I really, really hoped they'd be able to break the hold of a military dictatorship. But it was always a very, very slim chance and truthfully, I never had any real confidence they'd succeed. Damn shame though.

[Catherina]

11. They're still trying hard. I hope they succeed

My mom had none but I still have some faith seeing how sharp the organizers are. I expected what's happening now but I still have some faith they'll get it done within the next 18 months. I really hope you're wrong too for obvious reasons.